Dasht-i Jum Nature Reserve

One of four official nature reserves in Tajikistan, Dasht-i Jum is a relatively small area measuring just 450km2 on the lower slopes of the Hazrati Shah Mountains. Vegetation in the reserve varies from deciduous forest to juniper bushes and its eco-systems support more than 200 species of vertebrates, including 51 types of mammal. Amongst the rarer species are the Tian Shan brown bear, snake eagles and markhor. There are even occasional sightings of snow leopards.

Dasht-i Jum is on the UNESCO tentative list to become a World Heritage Site.